Usage of Pervitin

[ChristianK]

Hi there - some years ago I wrote an article on that topic and also interviewed medicine historian Peter Steinkamp about it.
He likened the effects of Pervitin to "driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. It does work somehow, but you not necessarily mind the rules that much." Otto Ranke, one of Germany's leading military physicians emphasized the use of Pervitin for staying awake while performing "long-lasting duties that are not physically demanding". Recorded negative effects were double-vision and seeing colors ("after the fourth pill" - officer of the 3rd Panzer Division), errors in judgement, circulatory problems and apathy when on deprivation.
Given all that, I think it's very possible that interrogation officers might not have been able to differentiate the behavior of a Pervitin-using POW from that of one who was drunk or simply disoriented/confused because of what has just happened to him.
Just my two cents.


Cheers,
Christian